The Victorian Government is cracking down on the sale of machetes following horrifying scenes at Northland shopping centre over the weekend, with industry backing the move.
New reports indicate that four males have been charged after an alleged gang rival fight at a Melbourne shopping centre that left three people hospitalised.
An allegedly premeditated fight broke out between two groups of males armed with machetes, which forced shoppers and staff to evacuate.
Following the incident, the Allan Labor Government is using extraordinary powers to totally ban the sale of machetes on Wednesday this week.
Commonwealth consumer law allows a state minister for consumer affairs to introduce an interim ban on the sale of certain consumer goods for a time-limited period.
Using these powers, Victoria will ban the sale of machetes from 12:00 noon on May 28. The interim machete sale ban will expire when it is superseded by the legislated prohibition on the sale and possession of machetes that will come into effect on
This is the toughest ban on the sale of machetes that has ever been attempted in Australia.
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) are applauding the laws, but are calling for more action to prevent retail crime.
“Data shows that criminals are increasingly using knives and machetes as an intimidation tactic,” ARA CEO Chris Rodwell said. “We applaud the government’s swift action to bring forward some previously proposed reforms.”
Data recently released by retail crime intelligence software company Auror revealed that knives and blades accounted for over 50 per cent of all weapon-related incidents in retail settings last year. Data also shows the use of knives and blades has increased by more than 40 percent in the past year.
The ARA and NRA are advocating for governments to implement measures that improve retail worker safety — including the introduction of strengthened police search powers to remove knives and dangerous weapons, using the Queensland Jack’s Knife legislation as a model.
The ARA has previously welcomed the Victorian Government’s plans to introduce legislation to implement tougher penalties for people who assault or abuse retail workers. The landmark reforms, which are expected to be introduced to parliament this year, will see Victoria join South Australia, New South Wales, Northern Territory and Western Australia, in stepping up legislation to respond to the growing prevalence of customer aggression and assaults.
“This is a widespread issue affecting the entire sector, causing significant emotional and financial harm and, in some tragic cases, physical harm,” Rodwell said.
“We need governments to be proactive in their response to violent crime, especially when lives are in danger. Businesses can’t continue to combat the impacts of growing retail crime on their own.
“Retailers across Australia are counting on states and territories to work in lock step with one another to reduce these incidents which are having an enormous impact on worker wellbeing.”
Rodwell added that retail workers in Victoria are unfortunately experiencing increased incidents of retail violence.
“Victoria Police has heard our concerns and acted swiftly to target these offenders. No one should have to go to work afraid for their safety. Unfortunately, this is a reality for many in the sector.”